Rivers to shut down unapproved private schools from June 15

The Rivers State government has said it will begin the shutting down of unapproved private schools operating in the state.

The State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday and made available to newsmen.

Nwagor said the decision was aimed at strengthening quality assurance and regulatory compliance within the education sector as well as help protect the welfare and future of children while promoting excellence in private school administration across the state.

The statement signed by the Head, Information and Public Relations, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Torchi Abinye Pepple said the exercise will take effect from June 15, 2026.

The Commissioner directed all approved private schools with outstanding annual renewal fees to immediately settle their arrears, warning that only schools with valid approval certificates and up-to-date payment records would be allowed to continue operations.

The statement partly reads, “The Rivers State Ministry of Education has announced plans to commence a statewide enforcement exercise aimed at closing unapproved private schools operating across the State.

“According to a public interest announcement signed by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, the enforcement exercise will begin on Monday, June 15, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen quality assurance and regulatory compliance within the education sector.

“All private schools operating without registration and official approval from the Ministry of Education, as well as schools failing to meet the required educational standards will be shut down in line with the provisions of the state’s Private Schools Law and other extant regulations.”

Nwagor further said the exercise is intended to ensure that children in Rivers State receive quality education in safe and conducive learning environments.

“Therefore all approved private schools with outstanding annual renewal fees are directed to immediately settle their arrears,” he said, warning that only schools with valid approval certificates and up-to-date payment records would be allowed to continue operations.

The Commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing standards in the education sector and ensuring compliance with established regulations.

He noted that the move would help protect the welfare and future of children while promoting excellence in private school administration across the state.

“School proprietors seeking further information are to visit the State Quality Assurance Services Office located at Government Girls’ Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt, or contact the Director of SEQAS, Dr. Chinedu Wordu.

“The Ministry assured residents that the enforcement exercise is part of ongoing efforts by the Rivers State government to improve the quality of education and uphold best practices in school administration throughout the State,” it added.